Ruling Authorities?

winter 2020-21 winter

VOLUME 47 NUMBER 2 / 47 NUMBER 2 VOLUME Mighty Fortresses | By Eric Mitchell • Jesus and the Pharisees | By Lynn Traylor Lynn By | Pharisees the and • Jesus Mitchell Eric | By Fortresses Mighty By Timothy Boyd Timothy By Who Were the the Who Were Ruling Authorities?

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR RULING AUTHORITIES I FORTRESSES I JESUS AND PHARISEES WINTER 2020-21 Not only have I stood in line behind good and godly men who have edited this magazine, from the team I have had the privilege of working beside two of the finest men that I have ever known—Tim Lynch, who has served as the magazine's pro- ALWAYS LIKE BEING duction editor since 2009, and Brent Bruce, in the short line. who has been the graphic designer on the mag- I Whether at the bank or azine since 1992. Each of these guy’s knowledge grocery store, I look for the of Scripture and passion for history has helped shortest line, thinking that Biblical Illustrator maintain the excellence you it’s going to be the fastest. have come to expect from the magazine. This As you know, it does not being the magazine's last editorial, I have asked always work out that way, though, does it? them each to say a word. Since 2003, I have had the privilege of being in a short line, the line of men who have From Brent Bruce: served as editors of Biblical Illustrator. In its To all the loyal readers of forty-seven-plus years of production, only five Biblical Illustrator, I want have served in this role. These are the men who to say thank you. For served before me. twenty-eight years, you have allowed me to work Nobel Brown 1974-1975 on a publication I've been William Stephens 1975-1985 passionate about. It has Michael Mitchell 1985-1991 been my joy to interpret James McLemore 1992-2003 God’s Word visually through design, photog- raphy, and illustration. My prayer is that the Early this year, we began hearing about the articles will continue to serve God’s people and COVID-19 virus. My initial thought was, “This is give greater depth to biblical knowledge for not going to be a big deal.” I could not have been years to come. more wrong! Indeed the coronavirus mush- I also want to thank our writers. Without roomed into a world-wide threat and epidemic. you, there would have never been a Biblical As people got sick, quarantined, and lost their Illustrator. You have ministered to thousands jobs and as churches and Bible study groups upon thousands through your biblical scholar- met online, offerings suffered. Churches were ship for almost forty-eight years. Only eternity forced to make serious and dramatic changes will reveal the impact you have made for the to the way they ministered. Church budgets kingdom. And thank you for ministering to me. were cut, which affected curriculum orders. I can’t begin to express the impact you have had This caused LifeWay to have to make serous and on my depth of understanding and my spiritual dramatic changes to the we way serve churches, growth. Some of you I have gotten to know very including the products we can offer. well. Others I have known only through your The sad news is that Biblical Illustrator is writing. All of you I will greatly miss. having to go away. Indeed you are holding in And to my two team members, thank you for your hand the last issue of the magazine—news allowing me to walk this road with you. I will which breaks my heart and the hearts of those always treasure the journey we've had together who had to make this difficult decision. and the friendship we'll have forever. From Tim Lynch: G. B. Howell, Jr. Content Editor I have spent about 23 years of my life at LifeWay, Dwayne McCrary Team Leader and over 10 of those working on Biblical Illustrator. Ken Braddy Director of Sunday School These years have been a Brandon Hiltibidal great blessing from God. Director, Group Ministry During this time, God has Send questions/comments to Team Leader gifted me with many of by email to: [email protected] the best friends I have had in my life, two of by mail to: Team Leader, Biblical Illustrator, whom I have worked with on Biblical Illustrator. One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175 Or make comments on the Web at lifeway.com I have been blessed by GB’s and Brent’s friendship in ways I could never have imagined. I am Biblical Illustrator (ISSN 0195-1351, Item 005075109) is published quar- and always will be thankful for them and how terly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Ben Mandrell, President. © 2020 LifeWay Christian Resources. they have greatly enriched my life. Biblical Illustrator is designed to support the Bible study sessions in the student and adult Bible Studies for Life, the Explore the Bible, and Biblical Illustrator magazine has also been The Gospel Project curriculum series. Bible background articles and ac- companying illustrative material are based on the passages studied in a great gift from God, as I’m sure many of you these curriculum series. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; would agree. As with any job, some days have and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scrip- ture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guide- been harder than others, but I have never once line, please visit lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Scripture quotations marked CSB® are taken from the Christian regretted working on this great magazine with Standard Bible®, Copyright 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. so many great people. Thank you to all those Scripture quotations marked (ESV®) are from the English Standard Version® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001 who have had a hand over the years in produc- by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ing the magazine, all with the same purpose—to Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Chris- tian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by 3 glorify God and help the people of His church in Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Stan- dard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trade- their journeys through this life. marks of Holman Bible Publishers. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.lockman.org) As editor, let me say how much I appreciate Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from the Holy Bible, New In- ternational Version®, NIV®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, our writers, who have enthusiastically taken Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are writing assignments, have researched, and have trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office written on such a broad range of topics. Their by Biblica, Inc.® winter 2020-21 winter ILLUSTRATOR BIBLICAL commitment to scholarship has shined on every Printed in the United States of America 1105 page and in every issue. Working with them has been such a blessing. I am privileged to know them not only as writers, but as friends. Finally, let me say that it has been my honor and privilege to serve you, our readers. I trust the magazine has helped deepen your understanding of Scripture and your love for our Lord. Let me encourage you to continue your pursuit of About the Cover: gaining an ever-deeper understanding of the Caesar Augustus crowned with an people, places, customs, and history of the Bible. oak wreath; 1st May the Father continue to bless you in cent. AD; found this endeavor! at Herculaneum. Augustus was Rome's first emperor (27 BC– AD 14). ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BRENT BRUCE/ NAPLES ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM/ NAPLES, ITALY (173/B/1830) WINTER 2020–21 CONTENTS VOLUME 47 NUMBER 2

DEPARTMENTS

2 Editorial

InSites (between pages 66-67) Herod the Great Psalms: Its Structure and Design

98 Past Articles

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

94 Death and Sheol: A Hebrew Understanding by Robert C. Dunston 4 December 6 // Session 1

22 Armed for Battle: Personal Weaponry in David's Day by Kevin C. Peacock December 13 // Session 2

10 Bethlehem: Its Significance Up to the Time of Jesus' Birth winter 2020-21 winter ILLUSTRATOR BIBLICAL

by Bryan E. Beyer December 20 // Session 3

67 Mighty Fortresses by Eric A. Mitchell January 10 // Session 6

InSites: Psalms: Its Structure and Design January 10 // Session 6

33 In the Latter Days: A First-Century Understanding by Gary Hardin January 24 // Session 1 40 A Sojourner in the Land THE GOSPEL PROJECT by Duane A. Garrett January 31 // Session 2 78 Peter's Role in the Early Church by Rex D. Butler 54 Darius, King of the Chaldeans December 6 // Session 1 by T. J. Betts February 14 // Session 4 76 QuickBites: Where Did the Early Church Meet? 82 The Body: A New Testament Understanding December 13 // Session 2 by Cecil R. Taylor February 21 // Session 5 58 Bondslaves of God by Michael Priest December 27 // Session 3

EXPLORE THE BIBLE 6 Who Were the Ruling Authorities? by Timothy N. Boyd 86 Luke: The Man and His Gospel December 27 // Session 3 by Steve W. Lemke December 6 // Session 1 18 Resurrection in Christian Thought by Warren McWilliams 36 A Virgin Conception—Really? January 10 // Session 5 by Lance T. Beauchamp December 13 // Session 2 91 To Justify: Two Understandings by Steve Booth 26 Presenting Jesus at the Temple January 31 // Session 8 by Andreas J. Köstenberger December 27 // Session 4 29 First-Century Damascus by Byron Longino 5 14 At Age Twelve February 14 // Session 10 by Christopher John Bass January 3 // Session 5 47 Paul's Opponents at Corinth by John Polhill 62 Herod Antipas February 28 // Session 12 by Gerald L. Stevens January 10 // Session 6

InSites: Herod the Great

January 10 // Session 6 2020-21 winter ILLUSTRATOR BIBLICAL

44 Nazareth: Its Setting and Significance by Argile A. Smith, Jr. January 24 // Session 8

51 Son of Man by Hal Lane February 14 // Session 11

72 Jesus and the Pharisees by Lynn O. Traylor February 21 // Session 12

SEE RELATED BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES: www.BibleStudiesForLife.com • goExploreTheBible.com • www.GospelProject.com TGP: 1 PETER 2:11-17

WHO WERE THE RULING AUTHORITIES? 6 winter 2020-21 winter ILLUSTRATOR BIBLICAL

ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BRENT BRUCE (120/B/0975) PHOTO/ ILLUSTRATOR ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BRENT BRUCE/ NAPLES ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM/ NAPLES, ITALY (173/B/2038) wooden benches the speaker and desk andchairfor modestly witha or wasfurnished intact. Theinteri survived mostly Curia Julia,has building, or Roman Senate 44-29 BC,the Left: Constructed to theemperor. Bythetime they continually lost power Senate and listenedtothem,but himself sought theadvice of the nominate new senators. Augustus Augustus reserved theright to became hereditary although from 1,000to600.Membership gradually reduced theSenate of opposition tohisgoals. He it would nolonger beasource Senate, but hewasdetermined that members totheSenate body tosupport theirefforts. class. Strong leaders such as Julius Caesar added senators camefrom theequestrian (or business) this time.TheSenate’s size also changedasmore these aristocratic families were destroyed during broke thebackof thispatrician control. Many of prevalent in the century before Jesus’ birth; these of Rome dominated theSenate. Civil warswere lies whose lineageswent backtothebeginnings ter of power. Old patrician or aristocratic fami maintained control of theempire. he modified themtohisbenefit, ensuringhe the external structures that already existed.Rather, supreme power, hewascareful nottotamper with ed. WhenAugustus establishedhimselfasthe R administer its sprawling territory asit expand BY TIMOTHY N.BOYD Augustus kept and honored the In theRepublic, theSenate hadbeenthecen 27 Augustus transitioning it toanempire in republic for several hundred years prior to lished government positions tocontrol and OM BC E HADEXISTEDASAPOWERFUL . Duringtherepublic, Rome hadestab - Julius.” meaning “Divine be declared himto Roman Senate in 42BC,the after hisdeath, Julius Caesar; Right: Bustof senators sat. on whichthe Divius Iulius, 1 - - - - into two types,Senatorial andImperial. for along period of time.Augustus separated them the way hehandled provinces; thesehadexisted Augustus brought toRoman government wasin lost all real power. of Augustus’ successor, Tiberius, theSenate had called proconsuls. high-ranking membersof theSenate, theywere ernors were usually former consuls or other ernors of theseprovinces. Because thesegov- bodies of troops. TheSenate appointed thegov - tricts that didnotrequire thepresence of large from Augustus onward. in thebureaucracy that surrounded theemperors ceremonial. Real administrative power waslodged power wasgone. Theposition becamelargely career. Although Augustus kept the office, its real considered tobetheculmination of apolitical power during theirone year inoffice, which was suls who were electedannually. Theyheldmuch the chief executive leaders were thetwo con- One of the other significant changes that During theperiod of therepublic (ca.508–27 These appointed governors maintained Roman Senatorial provinces were long-established dis- was setfree (Acts 18:12-17). were Roman citizens, thelocal magistrates law andtheRoman peaceandcollected taxes. cities had a limited amount of self-govern- Within some provinces were free cities. These became fearful because theyhadexceeded matter of religion andnothisconcern. Paul in thismanner (16:19-24,35-39). their authority intreating Roman citizens These positions were highly valued—their the Jews’ appeal because heconsidered it a Jews brought againsthim.Gallio rejected proconsul of Achaia, because of charges wealthy. Paul wasbrought before Gallio, the occupants were in a position tobecome ment, but they were subjecttothegover the people discovered that Paul andSilas nors intheprovince inwhich theywere the exercise of local authority. But when located. When Paul andSilas were arrest- jail in Philippi, thiswasanexample of ed, beaten with rods, andthrown into 2 5 3 4 BC ), - 7 BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR winter 2020-21 8 BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR winter 2020-21 ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BOBSCHATZ (11/8/12) er Antipas was given territory tothenorth including of Judea. Jesus wasborn, Herod theGreat wasking over all whatever wasnecessarytoaccomplish this.When and control on behalf of Rome. Theywere free todo their positions aslong astheymaintained stability Jews.” In reality, thesekings such asHerod held his father, hehadtheSenate vote him“Kingof the ity toloyal allies. WhenHerod theGreat succeeded “guardian.” Rome often gave thesetitles andauthor to rule on behalf of Rome and gave himthetitle of the Great’s father, Antipater, who wasanIdumean, he letthepriesthood continue. He turnedtoHerod deposed theHasmonean rulers inJudea—although Rome’s General Pompey hadannexed Judea. He an ethnarch, meaning“ruler of apeople.” Hisbroth him that much prestige. Instead hewas appointed rule ashe had.But Augustus wasnotwilling togive Judea, Idumea, andSamaria.Herod wanted himto part of thebiblical narrative. Archelaus wasleft to bedivided among hissons. Two of those were these provinces varied through theyears. In 63 there tomaintain order andcontrol. Leadership in direct control; thesehadRoman troops stationed Christ, the Jews ple tofaithin As Paul ledpeo- bema atCorinth. foreground is the Below: Inthe When Herod died, hiswill called for hiskingdom Imperial provinces cameunder theemperor’s 6 consul ofAchaia who waspro- before Gallio, here to appear and brought him were angered 1,800 feet. rises over “upper Corinth”) Acrocorinth (or the distance (Acts 18:1-17).In BC - - , men were referred toasgovernors. procurator wastheofficial title, informally these called procurators by thistime.Whetherprefect or Festus (mentioned inActs 24–26) were probably including imposing thedeath penalty. Felix and thing necessary to maintain this control up to and the area that theirfather hadcontrolled. Rome, although theseterritories were smaller than long astheymaintained thestability andpeaceof prestige. Bothhadcontrol over theirterritories as “ruler of afourth,” which wasanothertitle of lesser Galilee. He wasgiven thetitle of tetrarch, meaning ernance inJerusalem fell totheChief Priest and of hisregion. He hadtheauthority todo any directly responsible tothe emperor for hiscontrol procurator wasusedfor thistypeof ruler. He was a prefect, anoldmilitary title. Eventually thetitle his territory wasassigned toaRoman official called was eventually deposed andexiled. At thispoint overall command of theregion, day-to-day gov Archelaus proved tobeafailure asaruler and While Pilate andlater Felix andFestus were in Sanhedrin. That iswhy Jesus could be taken into custody and put on trial. But they could not impose thedeath penalty, which wasunder theauthor ity of Pilate (prefect during Jesus’ ministry). This was why theSanhedrin sent Jesus toPilate. Felix andFestus also had the authority to deal with theapostle 8 Naples, Italy. near modern island of Capri, years from the ruled thelast8 Rome, Tiberius than from ministry. Rather of Jesus' public 14-37—the time who ruledAD 7 Tiberius, Left: Emperor Statue of - - -

ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BRENT BRUCE/ NAPLES ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM/ NAPLES, ITALY (173/B/1855) ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BRENT BRUCE (134/B/1648) PHOTO/ ILLUSTRATOR ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ KRISTEN HILLER (44/1562) Left: Coin of “Agrippa the the northern side, this man-made of the gover- Agrippa II; the King, Year 14,” Herod built a mountain, Herod nor’s residence reverse (shown) meaning AD 69. royal theater and could overlook at Antipatris, shows Tyche his tomb, where, Jerusalem and which was holding barley Above left: Model in 4 BC, he was the surrounding named in honor and a cornuco- of Herod’s for- buried as he had desert. of Antipater II, 9 pia; the Greek tress palace, the commanded. father of Herod inscription reads: Herodium. On From the top of Above: Ruins the Great.

Paul, who was a Roman citizen. However, when Jews and early Christians encountered var- Paul appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11), Festus was ious Roman government officials on a regular

ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ DAVID ROGERS/ JEWISH MUSEUM/ NEW YORK (362/8) ROGERS/ JEWISH MUSEUM/ NEW YORK DAVID PHOTO/ ILLUSTRATOR obligated to send Paul to Rome. basis. Although their titles and responsibilities dif- While Paul was waiting for transport to Rome, fered, these officials maintained control over the Festus was visited by the last of the Herodians, region and lives of those we encounter in the winter 2020-21 winter ILLUSTRATOR BIBLICAL Herod Agrippa II, and Herod’s sister Berenice. This New Testament. I Herod had gained the title of king by his father 1. “Rome’s Transition from Republic to Empire,” National Geographic, July 6, Agrippa I, having the favor of Emperor Claudius. 2018, www.nationalgeographic.org/article/romes-transition-republic-empire/. Although Agrippa II had no authority over Paul, he 2. John McRay, “Rome and the Roman Empire,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, gen. ed. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie England (Nashville: heard his defense and gave his opinion about Paul Holman, 2003), 1415–18. to Festus (ch. 26).9 3. “Consul: Ancient Roman Official,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, April 3, 2020, www.britannica.com/topic/consul-ancient-Roman-official. In addition to these high-ranking officials, the 4. Randall S. Merrill, “Judicial Courts,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary [LBD], ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham, 2016). New Testament also mentions other Roman gov- 5. “Province: Ancient Roman Government,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, April 3, ernmental officials. The apostle Matthew was a tax 2020, www.britannica.com/topic/province-ancient-Roman-government. 6. Mark S. Krause, “Palestine, Administration Of, Roman,” in LBD. collector (Matt. 9:9). He was probably collecting fees 7. Ibid. 8. “Governor,” in Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Ronald F. Young- from traders who were traveling with their goods. blood, F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995). Zacchaeus, whom Jesus called down from the tree 9. Randall S. Merrill, “Judicial Courts,” in LBD. 10. Mark S. Krause, “Palestine, Administration Of, Roman,” in LBD. in Jericho, was also a local tax collector (Luke 19:1-9). The New Testament also introduces centurions (Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 23:47; Acts 10; 27:1) who func- Timothy N. Boyd is the Strengthening Team tioned in some ways like modern law enforcement Leader for the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of officers, maintaining the law at a local level.10 Southern Baptists, Topeka, Kansas. 10 BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR winter 2020-21 BSFL: BETHLEHEM LUKE 2:1-20 Up totheTimeof Its Significance Jesus' Birth

ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ KEN TOUCHTON (2/16/3) ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BOB SCHATZ (9/13/12) in Egypt. In theletter,ruler of Jerusalem noti Hebron road astheWay of thePatriarchs Scholars sometimes refer to the Shechem- contending enemy hands. fied Egypt’s pharaoh that Bethlehemhadfallen into occurs about 1300 The first mention of Bethlehem outside the Bible BETHLEHEM’S LOCATION ANDGEOGRAPHY legacy B resources, its Old Testament occurrences, andits highlights Bethlehem’s location and geography, its world despite its relatively small size.Thisarticle Bethlehem toseethenewborn Messiah (Luke 2:8-20). announced thenewstoshepherds, who hurried to prophet Micah’s words (Mic. 5:2).That night, angels there, Marygave birthtoJesus, infulfillment of the judges (1350–1050 essentially avillage at thetimeof Jesus’ birth. 300 inthefirstcentury, which meansBethlehemwas Albright estimates thepopulation tohave beenabout Emperor Augustus hadordered (Luke 2:1-2). W. F. Bethlehem, andHebron tothesouth. in thecentral region of Israel with Bethel,Jerusalem, major north-south highway that connected Shechem of Jerusalem intheJudean hill country, along the BY BRYAN E.BEYER Bethlehem lay approximately five miles southwest Bethlehem played animportant role intheancient eled to Bethlehem to participate in a census Joseph andMary, Jesus’ earthly parents, trav “house of bread.” Luke’s Gospelrecords how Jesus’ birth;thetown’s nameliterally means ETHLEHEM ISWELLKNOWNASTHESITEOF inGod’s redemptive purpose. for power inCanaan. 2 The text comes from the period of the BC BC inatextfrom El-Amarna, acity ), when various peoples were 3

1 While - - along thecoast,following theeasier route. Asia Minor, or Mesopotamia normally would remain Damascus inthenorth. Travelers from Egypt toSyria, extended from theborder of Egypt inthesouth to not along theInternational Coastal Highway, which territory allotted tothetribeof Judah, meant it was in childbirth andwasburied nearBethlehem(35:16-20). the region, where hefacedtragedy; hiswife Rachel died Esau (28:10-19). Twenty years later, Jacob returned to north from Beershebatoward Bethel,fleeinghisbrother passed through the region of Bethlehemashejourneyed farther south toBeersheba(Gen.12:6-8;13:3-4,18).Jacob neyed south from ShechemtoHebron on hisway even because Abraham andJacob traveled it. Abraham jour Bethlehem. the Nativityin of theChurch Below: Exterior the southeast. Bethlehem from Left: Overlooking farmers grew grapes, olives wheat, andbarley. The region around Bethlehemhad fertile soil, where BETHLEHEM’S RESOURCES Bethlehem’s location inthehill country, inthe These - 11 BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR winter 2020-21 12 BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR winter 2020-21 and godly character,ultimately married Ruth and into the community there. Boaz, a man of influence after theirhusbands died (Ruth 1:19,22)andsettled to Israel from Moab with hermother-in-law Naomi family and chose to become part of Israel. She moved Ruth, aMoabite woman, married into anIsraelite the events inthe Book of Ruth. Thebook records how during thisperiod, Bethlehemforms thebackdrop for judges (Judg. 17:7-9; 19:1-2,18). Most significantly mentioned above, it appears againinthetimeof the imately forty times. After the Genesis references The Old Testament mentions Bethlehem approx BETHLEHEM’S OLD TESTAMENT OCCURRENCES goat manure. obtained stubble-free fields fertilized with sheepand secured food for theiranimals, andthefarmers benefited from thisarrangement; theshepherds stubble that remained. Bothshepherds andfarmers bring theiranimals into thefields toconsume the son aftertheharvest, farmersinvited shepherds to crops the region surrounding Bethlehem. Duringthesea cover thelandscape of that area. items from local merchants. Even today, such crops Way of thePatriarchs likely could purchase these people processed grapes into wine.Travelers on the provided fuel for lamps aswell asoil for cooking; those who lived nearby. Olives also yielded oil, which Bethlehem. tomb, outside of ing Rachel’s cenotaph mark structure is a This small Shepherds also grazedtheirsheep and goats in provided food for Bethlehem’s citizens and - 5

MATSON PHOTO/ LIBRARY OFCONGRESS - -

ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BRENT BRUCE (95/B/2181) cities of Judah to protect against enemy invasion and Judah’s first king,fortified Bethlehem andother major tribe.Rehoboam, who wasSolomon’s son Southern Kingdom took thenameJudah afterits Kingdom maintained thenameIsrael, while the ed into two kingdoms (1Kings12:1-19). TheNorthern defeated andkilled him,bringingvictory for Israel. heard the taunts of Goliath, aPhilistine giant, and in Saul’s army (17:12,15,20).While inthevalley, David the valley to check on hisbrothers, who were fighting David went backandforth between Bethlehemand Saul’s battle with the Philistines in the Elah Valley, succeed Saul asIsrael’s king(1Sam.16:1-13). During Jesse; there heanointed David asGod’s designate to where David lived with hisbrothers andtheirfather David’s life. Theprophet Samuel cametoBethlehem lives for Hisamazingpurposes. reminds ushow Godcanuseseemingly ordinary (v. 22).God’s blessingon Ruth’s life inBethlehem who becamethefather of David, Israel’s great king gave herason, Obed (4:9-17). Obed fathered Jesse, After King Solomon’s death in 930 Bethlehem figures largely intheaccount of Eder. raised atMidgal birthed and Temple were the Jerusalem were offeredin rificial lambs that shown. Thesac- to which are the entrance el arecaves, Below the chap- in Bethlehem. of theNativity from the Church walking distance Eder, which is in built atMidgal Modern chapel BC , Israel divid - ISTOCK PHOTO (Mic. 5:2, me. Hisorigin isfrom antiquity, from ancient times” one will come from you toberuler over Israel for Ephrathah, you are small among theclansof Judah; the chief priests andscribes, askingthemwhere the seeking toworship Him,KingHerod consulted with Jesus’ birth,when wisemencamefrom theeast the messianic fulfillment of Micah’s words. After God’s kingdom (vv. 4-5). TheNew Testament affirms Messiah, theAnointed One, who would establish God one day would sendthemanother king—King that King David hailed from there. Theybelieved encouraged God’s people, who would have known in 586 Babylon’s KingNebuchadnezzar conquered Judah paid aheavy price (1Kings 14:25-27). invaded Judah during Rehoboam’s reign, andJudah (2 Chron. 11:6).Nonetheless, Shishak,kingof Egypt, sied thesewords around 750-700 lamation from theprophet Micah, who prophe have that number (Ezra2:21;Neh. 7:26).That number may specifically mention citizens of Bethlehem as among (Ezra 2:64-65).TheBooks of EzraandNehemiah land, almost 50,000people returned totheregion Jews could return toJudah torebuild theirhome quered Babylon and later issued a decree that (2 Kings25:1-21). When Persia’s KingCyruscon Bethlehem remained a Judean town until Bethlehem wasthefocus of animportant proc included BC anddestroyed Jerusalem andtheTemple CSB ). Micah’s announcement must have descendants of the original exiles. eu’ birthplace. Jesus’ to tradition, was, according to thecavethat leading down Nativity; steps Church of the Inside the BC : “Bethlehem

ISTOCK PHOTO upper wall. mosaics on the newly restored shown arethe Bethlehem; Nativity in Church of the Interior of the - - - - Columbia, South Carolina. Sciences at ColumbiaInternational University, Bryan E.Beyer isdean of theCollege of Artsand Shepherds After My Own Pastoral Heart: Traditions Laniak, S. and Timothy 5. Wight, H. Fred see times, Bible in diet and preparation food of overview an 4. For 1974), Row, and Harper York: (New Bible the of Geography The Baly, Denis 3. 2. George W. Knight and Byron Longino, “Bethlehem,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Mann, C. S. and 1. W. F. Albright who istheeternal Kingof kings. place of KingDavid, andthebirthplace of God’s Son, town in Judea, but it boasts a great legacy—the birth of God’s redemptive plan.Bethlehemwasasmall Gospels of Matthew andLuke herald it asafocal point tance during that period; andtheNew Testament its mention in the Old Testament reveals its impor er thanthemore expanded city of today. Nevertheless, The Bethlehem of Bible times wassignificantly small BETHLEHEM’S LEGACY to seeifmaybe God’s Son hadindeed come. ently made thefive-mile trip with themtoBethlehem troubled by thewisemen's visit, noone elseappar (Matt. 2:5-6).Sadly, although all inJerusalem were ed, “In Bethlehemof Judea,” citing Micah’s prophecy Messiah would beborn. TheJewish leaders respond 2006), 52. 2006), Bible the in Leadership 43–54. 1953), Moody, (Chicago: Lands Bible of Customs and Manners 182. 196. Dictionary 1971),day, 205. , gen. ed. Chad Brand, rev. ed. (Nashville: Holman Reference, 2015), 2015), Reference, Holman (Nashville: ed. rev. Brand, Chad ed. , gen. , ed. D. A. Carson (Downers Grove, IL : IVP Academic, Academic, IVP IL : Grove, (Downers Carson D. A. , ed. Matthew , vol. 26, Anchor Bible (New York: Double York: (New Bible Anchor 26, , vol. I ------13 BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR winter 2020-21 ETB: LUKE 2:41-52

At Age Twelve: At Significance in Jewish Life Age

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Significance in Jewish Life UNSPLASH PHOTO/ CHRIS JARVIS PHOTO/ UNSPLASH Jesus showed knowledge andwis asking themquestions” (v. 46). the teachers, listeningtothemand Joseph found Him“sitting among searching for three days, Maryand in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52). After age twelve, Jesus wasleftbehind know what God had command best way for future generations to (4:9), was taken seriously. The to “beinyour heart,” andparents to achild. Commandments were ed wasfor anadult topassit on children command, “Teach them to your mands of God(Deut. 4).The remember andobeythecom Moses called theIsraelites to OLD TESTAMENT FOUNDATIONS the teachersof thelaw. dom beyond Hisyears—amazing T BY CHRISTOPHER JOHNBASS beginning of His ministry. At between Jesus’ birthand the one story about theyears HE GOSPELSRECORDONLY andyour grandchildren” - - - 1

Deuteronomy 6:20-25 indicates build on thisfoundation. were to“repeat themtoyour chil and its impact would lastfor alife This would change young hearts, into theirheartsthrough repetition. commandments would bechiseled children in such a way that the were tasked with trainingtheir would lastfor generations. Parents the impact tothefaceof thestone taking hoursof tedious effort, but rious endeavor—filled with pains hearts. Engraving stone is alabo “engraved” or “etched” into their the commandments would be connotation from Hebrew isthat their children followed suit. The they were thentomake sure that God’s Word hidden intheirhearts; dren” (6:6-7). Parents were tohave Jewish life (vv. 7-8). infused mostevery aspectof discussions of thecommandments time. Thisrepetitive trainingmeant Several other ISTOCK PHOTO passages

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explain thecommands andencour Passover. Fathers were expectedto asked about theobservanceof the God’s power when theirchildren instructed fathers torecount Exodus 12:26-27 and that . . . God hascommanded.” know” God’s commands (v. 6). that a future generation . . . might Each generation wastodo this,“so them from theirfathers (Ps. 78:3). mandments were “passeddown” to Psalm 78recalls how thecom age obedience from theirchildren. decrees, statutes, and ly askabout “themeaningof the that children would eventual and actions. for hisdecisions cally responsible morally andethi boy is considered through thisrite, a Having gone Western Wall. at Jerusalem’s 13-year-old boy ebration of a Mitzvah cel Above left: Bar - - to thetexts. parables related as storiesand the Psalmsaswell interpretations of Midrash includes This partofthe to thePsalms. ditions related are theoraltra Tehillim, which of theMidrash Above: Copy ordinances 13:14-16 - - - -

15 BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR winter 2020-21 16 BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR winter 2020-21 Rabbi Gamaliel. the burial site of monastery marks the Beit Jamal of Jerusalem, Located outside laid out by therabbisinTalmud. tern of that training, though, was lished inDeuteronomy. Thepat in thecommandments wasestab that Jewish boys would betrained the Old Testament. Theprinciple revealed inthefirstfive books of tice of theTorah, theLaw of God, religious—knowledge andprac early. Theaimof all education was the religious foundations were laid responsibility tomake sure that Fathers hada special educational to teachtheirchildren thebasics. in thehome. Mothers would begin For Jews, education always began JEWISH EDUCATION counsel. so that by agefifty, hecould give grow inknowledge andpractice and would continue tostudy and (Jewish explanations of the Law) fifteen hewould study theTalmud and celebrate his be subjecttothecommandments ten; at agethirteenaboy would Mishnah (theoral traditions) at age Torah at agefive; study of the Avot the educational stages in Pirkei Judah b. Tema, summarized Education wasdone primarily In the first century 5:21.Study beganwith the 2 bar mitzvah; at BC , Rabbi - - - were required tohave thisexcep of Deuteronomy. That Jewish boys memory, fulfilling therequirements would have been committed to Thus, large portions of Scripture from the Torah, ing selectverses scribe, contain- by aJewish is atext,written rectangular box Inside thesmall for “doorpost.” Hebrew word Mezuzah is the to adoorframe. zah attached Right: A on following the Law of God, commonplace. cal application, andobedience were ( have hidden your word in my heart” passages such asPsalm 119:11,“I tional memory also shedslight on beginning totheendof theBible].” Adam toZerubbabel [i.e.,from the know by heartthehistory from exist any Jewish child who doesn’t According toJerome, “There doesn’t youngest pupils studied every day. though memorization. Even the Scriptures.” Memorization, practi infancy you have known thesacred NIV Since every area of life focused ); and2Timothy 3:15,“from mezu- of business. houses or places frame oftheir zah tothedoor- attach amezu- 6:4. Jewsoften text from Deut. letter in the first Hebrew at thetopis the 21. Theemblem 6:4-9 and 11:13- Deuteronomy - - 3

ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BRENT BRUCE (91/B/0060) begin learningatrade. most boys would beexpectedto the ageof twelve or thirteen,when Formal education typically ended at famous rabbiGamaliel (Acts 22:3). education, ashestudied under the was aperfect example of continued needed for work at home). Paul (this wasrare, ashelpwasusually home to study with a famous rabbi the secondary schoolsmight leave spare time. Outstanding students of understanding of theTorah, intheir adults who desired toadvance their ing at the secondary school—with school. “house of learning[oral law]”) ing”) and secondary (bet Midrash; mentary (betSefer ; “houseof read would have theequivalent of anele Prophets would follow. Synagogues the rest of the Torah and the read usingLeviticus 1–8.Learning children would beginlearningto to go toJerusalem toworship three Faithful Jewish menwere required THE JERUSALEM VISIT encouraged tocontinue study 4 Exceptional students were 5 - - -

ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ BRENT BRUCE/ ROCKEFELLER MUSUEM/ JERUSALEM (190/B/1526) Partially reconstructed synagogue in Tiberias. The schools at Sepphoris and Tiberias were responsible for producing the Mishnah and the Palestinian Talmud (AD 200–450).

ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ JAMES MCLEMORE (13/22/19) times a year (Ex. 23:14); one visit All of the training that Jesus train about His identity and mis- was at Passover. Jesus’ family went received up to this point—the sion (50:4-9). Many believe Isaiah on this Passover pilgrimage to Scripture memorization, His was prophesying of the Messiah.8 Jerusalem each year (Luke 2:41). studying under the local and Jesus is both God and man. Luke tells of events that happened regional rabbis, His training at As God, He is omniscient. As during the year that Jesus was home, the education about the man, He had to go through twelve (vv. 41-52). Many people mis- oral law and tradition—was in the same learning process that understand this passage to mean preparation for His vow, which all humans experience. Yet, the that Jesus was going to his bar would occur at age thirteen. Father gave Jesus special knowl- mitzvah, but that would not hap- This particular trip to Jerusalem edge and training about His min- 17 pen until age thirteen. Bar mitzvah would have served as part of His istry and message. Consequently, means “son of the Commandment.” final preparations—putting into because of the training by God At thirteen, boys took vows to keep practice all He had been learning. the Father, Jesus knew exactly the commandments (Mishnah While the Jerusalem visit was who He was—the Son of God— Niddah 5:6). Rabbis suggested that expected, what Jesus did was and knew the Scriptures well training should take place a year unexpected. Luke records that enough to debate the Temple or two early “in order that they Jesus was found “in the temple teachers, even at age twelve.9 I winter 2020-21 winter ILLUSTRATOR BIBLICAL become accustomed to the com- sitting among the teachers, lis- 6 1. Unless indicated otherwise, all Scripture quotations are mandments” (Mishnah Yoma 8:4). tening to them and asking them from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). At age twelve, this would have been questions” (Luke 2:46). All “who 2. Pirkei Avot 5:21, Sefaria, May 1, 2020, www.sefaria.org/ Pirkei_Avot.5.21?lang=bi. a year of training for Jesus. heard [Jesus] were astound- 3. David Bivin, New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus: Jewish legend asserted that ed at his understanding and his Insights from His Jewish Context (Holland, MI: En-Gedi Resource Center, 2005), 6. several significant biblical events answers” (v. 47). They recognized 4. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Yeshua: The Life of Messiah from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, vol. 1, (San occurred at age twelve, including: that the questions Jesus asked Antonio: Ariel Ministries, 2017), 441. Moses leaving Pharaoh’s daugh- were not the normal questions for 5. J. Julius Scott, Jr., Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1995), 258. ter’s home, Samuel being called to someone His age. Not only was 6. Mishnah Yoma 8:4, Sefaria, May 1, 2020, www.sefaria. org/Mishnah_Yoma.8.4?lang=bi. be a prophet, and Solomon show- Jesus able to ask intelligent, theo- 7. Fruchtenbaum, Yeshua: The Life of Messiah, 450. ing great wisdom between the logically deep questions, He was 8. See Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 40-66, vol. 15B, The New American Commentary (Nashville: B&H Publishing 7 women fighting over the infant. also able to answer theirs. The Group, 2009), 380–81. 9. Fruchtenbaum, Yeshua: The Life of Messiah, 446 – 47. Traditionally, at age twelve, a boy adult men at the Temple realized was accepted into the religious that Jesus could not have learned community as a man who all He knew from the school in Christopher John Bass is pas- was thereafter responsible for Nazareth. Isaiah had foretold of a tor of First Baptist Church in keeping the law. Servant whom God Himself would Versailles, Missouri.